Pre-sales (I have been emailing with Ivy) were very helpful and gave me a quote for the dress that basically made it 90% less expensive than the original one.

Honestly, trying on the original, although I loved it, it made me feel extremely nervous. The idea of this dress, that I would buy, then spend more on adjustments, made me feel uncomfortable. I liked the idea of buying a dress made to fit my measurements, and made to my specific instuctions. It was a bonus that it was under $200.

Having gone to my brother's wedding earlier this year, I saw the lovely $10,000 dress my sister in law wore, and, now I see it hanging up in his bedroom at my parents house, still stained with red wine, and never to be worn again. I just couldnt justify the expense, and thought, I'd rather spend the money on something that the two of us could share - honeymoon or something more long lasting.

Anyway, I bit the bullet and ordered my dress. Custom, Ivory Satin, Dressilyme Special! November 26. I asked for pictures to see before they shipped it, seeing as it was a custom designed dress. They said yes, but that it would delay the process. I thought it was fine - I'm not in a rush, my wedding is in May 2013, so I have plenty of time.

I emailed back and asked them to change it, and gave them some picture illustrations of how I wanted them to move it up (I made them on photoshop, and was very specific ie "3 buttons above the band at the back"). I also asked them to put in an under bustle / french bustle. The NEXT MORNING I woke up to these pictures.

So - what do you guys think?

I think I am ready to get this fancy dress of mine shipped to me to try it on for real!